Historic Buildings

Through Cracks and Colour: Conserving the Clerestory Windows and Telling the Tales Held in Glass

Ely Cathedral, an incredible Grade I listed building, has welcomed visitors and pilgrims for over 1300 years. However, its role as a cultural focal point for East Anglia is at risk, with our Quinquennial Report identifying serious issues with several clerestory windows. Through this project, we aim not only to safeguard these irreplaceable Victorian stained-glass windows through specialist conservation, but also create new opportunities for people to engage with the Cathedral’s rich heritage. In partnership with The Stained Glass Museum, we will broaden access and inspire wider engagement with our heritage through new interpretative displays, volunteer training, educational visits, specialist conservator talks, tours, and accessible interpretation through videos. We will also develop a robust business plan to support long-term resilience and strategic growth, while investing in volunteer development to enhance skills and deepen community involvement. These outcomes will help secure a more sustainable, inclusive future for the Cathedral and its visitors.